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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. U 



Chap. . 
She/f .. 



p UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



tl 



AJ»^ 




HOSPITAL SGEFES 



AFTER 



THE BATTLE 



GETTYSBURG 



JXTXjIT, 1833. 



^X^JSj-, 







THF, PATRIOT DAUGHTERS OF LANCASTER. 



nAIhV INQUIRER STEAM JOB PRINT. 



1864. 



.^ 



HOSPITAL SGESTES 



AiTEK 



THE BA.TTLE 



GETTYSBURG. 



^tjxjTs^^ lOQa, 



^s^ris^Q 




'^^^^S^^ 






THE PATRIOT DAUGHTERS OF LANCASTER 



^i4„„^t'.'VV C-«f* 



DAILV INQUIRER STEAM JOB PRINT. 



1864. 



F17 



U 



HOSPITAL SCENES 



AFTER 



THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG 

O-CTL-y, 1833. 



It was a lovely June evening, when after having entertained a party 
of friends, I drove them into town, never dreaming of the state 
into which the usually quiet city had been plunged during the day. 
The first announcement made was, " the rebels are coming — they 
are at Columbia I" Their proximity was rather alarming. Truly, 
the quiet inhabitants of Lancaster had undergone a change ; every 
one seemed intent on accomplishing some great object; what it was. 
I had some difficulty in discovering ; first, to secrete everything they 
could from the invaders, and then to secrete themselves, or at least to 
send the timid members of their families to more distant cities. The 
stores were sending away their entire contents ; droves of horses from 
the interior of the State were passing through to places of greater 
security, and their drivers were adding to the general constcmation 
by telling of the doings of Lee's army in Franklin and Adams coun 
lies, how horses and cattle were stolen, how even boys wert* made to 
drive them back, how the grain had all been taken, and how Tork 
had been required to paya hundred thousand dollars random Thirrg^ 



did beg'iu to look soriotis. What would be the fate of Lancaster 
t'ouuty, with her well known stock and barns ? We really began to 
tremble. Then came the Governor's call for troops and we had little 
time to think of oui-.solvcs ; there, were uther.s to be cared for. The 
boys were to be fitted out, haversacks were to bo made and filled, 
shirts and stockings prepared, and ths many nameless etceteras pro ■ 
vided. Then after our own had been supplied, both benevolence and 
patriotism dictated to think of others. Accordingly the society's 
rooms were opened, and all of us worked for our less fortunate sol- 
diers, who had neither mothers nor sisters to intei'est themselves in 
tlieir behalf And as we worked, the sad, quiet expression of all 
faces told of the deep interest felt. To be sure, it was no now thing 
to meet and work; this had boea done since the commencement tti' 
the war. Regiments had been furnished, hospitals supplied, returning 
regiments had been welcomed ; in fact we have done what we coidd. 
But now each felt as if they were working for their homes, and for 
those who were going forth to protect them. 

So the days passed slowly by. All who could get away from the 
city had gone, an 1 the place, never very gay, now assumed the quiet 
aspect of despair. It^ deep gloom was only interrupted by the passing 
througli of thousand-; of troop-; f >r the defense of the State Capital, 
and the arrival cf Milroy's wagin train, who were retreating from 
Winchester, exhausted and sorely smarting under their late defeat. — 
They encamped on an udjoining field, dusty and weary ; their fire.'* 
were soon lighted, and a> tlieir h:ivorsacks supplied both the utensils 
and materials for cooking, their preparations were soon eomplctcd. 

We had taken care of the sick ones and fed as many of the other.-' 
as we could, and after tea walked up, to try and find out if po.ssible 
something of (uir expected enemy. They all had the same talc to tell, 
of hurried marches, jadorl mind- and exhausted bodies, and looker! 
forward to a rest here for a few days, with evident satisfaction. Bui 
their pleasing anticipations were soon to be dissipated, for before 
morning the order came to break up camp, and by daylight they 
were many, many miles away. 

Thi^^L to us. was one of the most eventful nights of the invasion. — 



The bridge id Columbia wjis lived early iu the evening, and though 
ten miles distant, we saw it distinctly. No lovelier evening can bo 
imagined. The moon was shining in the clear and cloudless sky, and 
the lurid flashes from the burning bridge gave every thing an almost 
supernatural appearance^ During the still hours of that summer nighty 
we watched and waited, not knowing what the morrow would bring 

orth. The morning came, and with it the welcome intelligence that 
the burnt bridge had stopped the career of the invaders; and that find- 
ing no crossing, they had been obliged to retrace their steps, but that 
at any moment newa of a severe battle miglit be expected. A few days 
In-ought the intelligence that a battle was in progress at Gettysburg 
and that Reynolds, our own brave Reynolds, had fallen I This was 
all ; bvit it was enougli to make us sad, and earnest, and grateful, that 
wo had been spared from all the horrors of ' scenes which we knew 
were being enacted near enough to make us tremble. The two suc- 
ceeding days were passed at the rooms of the society, in constant la- 
bor, preparing for the expected demands. Many boxes were packed 
and the gentlemen who volunteered to take our supplies to the battle- 
field, were funiished with, whatever was requisite to assist them ii: 
their sad duties j and we were amply repaid for all our labors, by 
knowing that our s(o)-cs were the first that arrwed on the battle- field , 
arriving at a time when thousands were suffering and dyiug — dying- 
there in a country that had been robbed of everything by the inva- 
ders, and in the midst of people, who were almost paralized by the 
dreadful scenes through which they had passed. The stores were 
given into the hands of the Christian Commission, with the proviso 
tliat our delegates were to have access to them, and use whatever they 
required. In return, this noble society shared their room with us, 
and when their Hospital stores arrived, made us heartily welcome to 
I "very thing they had. The last of our goods had been despatched, 
the excitement of the week had subsided, the rooms were clearpd 

from the litter of preparation, and two or three of our most active 
members were commissiooed to devise plans for the future. A driv- 
ing chilly storm had set in to add to the gloom and we talked over 

and pictured to ourselves, the situation of our poor soldiers exposed as 



tlie;y imust be, to the iucleuieuey ot the weather. At last there was a 
thought-pause, when one of us suggested that we ought to go to Get- 
tysburg ourselves, for if ever our services as a society were needed, it was 
now. At first, all the difficulties of the undertaking were presented ; aud 
indeed they seemed insurmountable ; for railroad communication had 
been stopped and we could procure no vehicles, all having been pressed 
into service, by those who had gone for the laudable purpose of seeing 
that most horrible of all spectacles, a battle-field. 

We had almost given it up in despair, when Mr. Slagel, (a nephew 
of our kind and mogt excellent president, Mrs. Hubley,) came in; he 
said he had brought eleven horses and his wagon and carriage to Lan. 
caster county when the rebels were expected, and if we thought of 
going to Gettysburg, he would gladly take us and our stores to Adams 
county to-morrow, if we could be ready. Our preparations were soon 
completed, and the next morning, though it rained in torrents, we 
started, a sad-looking party, but not looking any gloomier than wc 
felt. Before arriving at Columbia, however, the sun began to shine 
at intervals, aud with the change of the weather, came more hopeful 
anticipations. Soon the Susquehanna hills were seen in the distance, 
and knowing that the loss of the bridge had been supplied by a boat, 
we trusted that we should be quickly ferried across, and before dark, be 
many miles on our way to York. But the more haste the less speed, 
says the proverb ; and we found it so, for the boat had already gone 
over, and we waited patiently for its return. Our party wag not alone 
iu this severe trial of patience, for the wharf was crowded with a mot- 
ley mass of men, wagons and horses, forcibly reminding one of scenes 
in California, when the golden attractions of that famous land drew 
so many to its shores. 

The Captain assured us that his orders were to forward immediately 
all hospital stores and nurses, and that he should make every effort to 
do so. But he was not consulted ; for the moment the boat touched 
the shore, many who had been waiting since morning, jumped aboard 
and could not be dislodged. There we sat, and saw the boat float ont 
in the distance, and woman-like only gave up, when the Captain told 
us he should make no more trips that day, as the river was too high. 



We were sadly disappointed, and fully realized what a barrier our (lo- 
hle river had been to the progress of the invading hordes, and with 
what feelings they must have left its lovely banks. Hero we ate our 
supper, and commenced our career in soldier-life. 

1 fear we presented a rather miserable appearance. The hor,se.*< 
were embedded iu the mud, and from want of use, and their sojourn on 
our plentiful farms, evinced their distaste to the four liour's detention, 
by plunging about in the most frantic manner, bespattering us with 
the liquid mud. It was very humiliating to present ourselves at the 
hotel in this style; but there was no alternative. There we had to re- 
main until the next morning. We improved the hours before retir- 
ing in contracting the number of our packages ; for five of us had been 
restricted to one small trunk ; and though all had repeatedly declared 
iliat " they had nothing to wear," yet in unpacking the contents of the 
carriage, we found it truly alarming, and it required no small amount 
of management to bring order out of chaos. At last every thing was 
satisfactorily arranged, and with man}' injunctions to the little contra- 
band, (who seemed to have supreme control of the arrangements at 
the Hotel) to call us early, we commended ourselves to the protecting 
care of a kind Providence, and slept. 

The morning sun rose in a clear cloudless sky, and the beauty of 
this noble river never seemed so resplendant. Five o'clock found ris 
at the appointed place, together with many others who had boon 
there the day before, besides large accessions of new arrivals. For- 
tunately our horses were put on the fiat, and ourselves in the c.a- 
riages on the boat. There wo ate our breakfast, waited four long hours, 
and a.irived at Writjhtsvillc :it ten o'clock. As soon as we entered 
the place, we saw traces of our iinwelcoiue guests ; a large house, near 
the bridge was destroyed, and in passing through the main street, we 
saw many houses perforated by shot and shell. All around were rifle- 
pits thrown up, and there were many signs of war. But after leaving 
Wrightsville, (though the entire distance was traversed by the foe, ) 
there were no depredations committed, not even a rail froui any of the 
fences disturbed, showing the strict discipline under vrhich they were 
kept, while in this part of the State. Not however, on account of any 



regard for us, ;is one of their GeQcralt* asserted while at York; b»U 
tliey knew that if they relaxed their discipline, their army would be- 
eome so demoralized, that they would lose all control of it. It was 
twelve o'clock when we arrived at York, where we met some friends 
- returning from the battle-field, who gave us much valuable informa. 
tion as to what we would require. The most pressing want seemed 
to be tin-ware, wash basins, tin cups, &c., &c., which of course we 
immediately jirocured. Here we dined, and though York had any- 
thing but an enviable reputation during the raid, yet we must bear 
testimony to the loyalty and kind hospitality of Mr. Alfred Gartman, 
who, though an entire stranger to most of us, gave us a warm welcome, 
and a dinner, which in after days, when we were our own cooks and 
wiien our store rooms were not always luxuriously supplied, we looked 
back upon with longing eyes. The day had become excessively hot ; 
and we found that if we went through to Getttysburg, we would 
arrive there at night, which would be very uudesirable ; so we accepted 
Mr. Slagel's kind invitation, and found a cordial welcome to one of 
the loveliest spots and one of the kindest Christian homes that can be 
met with anywhere. Mrs. Myers and Mrs. Slagel were unremitting in 
their attentions, not only during our stay with them, but while at the 
Hospital, supplying our table every week with the best their farm 
afforded. 

We arose invigorated by a good night's rest, and with a solemn 
feeling pervading our hearts, of the responsibilities of our undertak- 
ing and the nearness of our duties. We felt that God had so far 
smiled upon us, and would not now desert us, and that in His strength 
we would go forth. All around was in the height of summer beauty ; 
the birds sang in the clear morning sky, and the stately hills looked 
down on orchards laden with their crimson frnit. Though late in 
the season, the harvest was just yielding to the sickle. All here, 
was beauty, quietness and peace, whilst all beyond was desolation, 
destruction and war. Here we listened to the sweet songs of birds, 
whilst within a few miles, the air^was laden with shrieks of the 
wounded and groans of the dying. 

We were but a few miles from Gettysburg, when we met the 



9 

first ambulance. In it was a wounded Captain, who had received 
permission, (as his home was in Lancaster County,) to try and reach 
there if he could; and although severely wounded, and the motion 
of the ambulance caused him great pain, still he said he was willing 
to endure it if he could only get home. He had been in the hands 
of the enemy, until they retreated ; they had been very kind 
to him, and in return, he begged us to take good care of one reb. 
I promised him that I would, and the promise was kept. Soon 
we began to meet men who were slightly wounded, all of whom 
seemed badly clothed and who, when asked if they were hungry, 
looked so famished and ate what we gave them so ravenously, that 
we would have distributed among them the entire contents of our 
box, had not some one reminded us that if we were so liberal we 
might be without food ourselves in a strange place. 

We had now arrived where the railroad intersects the turnpike, 
two miles from Gettysburg. Burnt cars, half consumed hay, broken 
telegraph poles, covered the ground ; everything was in ruin, and 
since railroad communication had been opened. Government stores 
had been left here in considerable abundance. Near this spot the 
ladies who wrote the little book, "What We Did at Gettysburg," 
pitched their tents. 

Here we caught the first glimpse of this now celebrated place, to 
which as to the American Waterloo, the patriotic pilgrims will 
repair, either to drop a tear of fond regret upon the graves of the 
fallen heroes, or to learn from the noble example of the bravest 
sons of the Republic, who there stood like a wall of fire against 
slavery and rebellion, to do and to dare everything for the mainte- 
nance of the Union. It looked very lovely in the distance, sur- 
rounded as it is by hills and groves, and every element of natural 
beauty. And as we gazed upon the white tents of the different 
Corps' Hospitals, glistening in the bright rays of a July sun, as far 
as the eye could reach, the seene became intensely interesting. — 
Here, where now wave upon wave of sorrow rolled over the suffering 
thousands, that lay in these tents crippled or dying; here upon these 
very fields and valleys, had stood but a few days before, like a d.*nse 



10 

forest, the dark masses of contending hosts in fiercest conflict ; here 
where nature had put on her gaudiest livery, and vied to show forth 
lier Creator's glory, man in his perverseness had converted this 
lovely scene into a veritable Aceldama — a field of blood. 

It was about ten o'clock in the morning before we entered Get- 
tysburg, and a more distressing scene can hardly be described. — 
Every house was a hospital, and through the open doors and window.s 
were seen wounded men in every attitude. People were going from 
house to house with hasty steps and distressed countenances, as 
though their whole business was to care for these poor sufferers. — 
Long trains of ambulances were conveying the less severely wounded 
to the depot, and those who were able, were hobbling along on their 
crutches as best they could. Kebel prisonere in squads of two or 
three hundred, with picks and spades were starting out, under guard, 
to bury their dead. Sisters of Charity were pressing on, intent ou 
their duties. Into the midst of all this confusion and excitement, 
we were ushered, not knowing whether we should find any char- 
itable enough to give us a night's lodgings, or whether we could even 
find a spot on which to unload our supplies. We drove direct to the 
rooms of the Christian Commission, where we met one of our dele- 
gates, and remained in our carriages, imtil he found a room in which 
to put us. We were just giving up in despair, feeling as though we 
could not in any sense or anywhere be accommodated, when Mr. 
Cover kindly offered us the use of his oifice, which though small. » 
he said we were welcome to until we could do better. 

Here we stayed and awaited the arrival of the wagons containing 
our stores, and as we could do nothing until they came, we took ad- 
vantage of their detention, and walked up to Cemetery Hill — the 
scene of the heaviest part of the conflict. It is a lovely spot, and 
though the battle here was terrific, the havoc Avas not as great 
as we expected, as our soldiers had carefully lai<l down the highest 
monuments. The destruction Avas most apparent among the iron 
railings, which were bent and broken into the smallest pieces. All 
around us were newly made graves, where slept the noble heroes 
who. a few days previous hiid fnllen on this bloody field. Im-kih this 



11 

point wo had the )nost oxteusive view of the whole of the celebrated 
•'Gettysburg battle-field." Here we gazed with over-powering awe 
upon those scenes that will become classic in the history of the 
world, to which the feet of travellers from other climes will reverently 
bend, as they now visit Austerlitz, AVagram, Marengo, or Waterloo, 
to not one of which it will yield in dramatic terror, or in the bravery 
of its contending legions, or in the sanguinary results of its desperate 
contest. And then, these scenes themselves, who can adequately 
describe them ? Houses demolished, fences destroyed, tall forest 
trees mowed down like so many stalks of hemp ; artillery wagons 
crushed, broken muskets scattered in every direction, unused car- 
tridges in immense numbers, balls of all kinds, ramrods and bayonets, 
bits of clothing, belts, gloves, knapsacks, letters in great quantities, 
all lying promiscuously on the, field; dead horses in great numbers, 
some torn almost asunder by cannon balls, some pierced in the side 
by grape shot, and others with their legs completely shot away ; some 
noble chargers apparently kneeling in death, their necks, crested 
with flowing manes, gracefully arched, as if still proud of the riderg 
on their backs. And then many of the human dead, whose mutilated 
bodies, still unburied, were lying around in all positions. Some with 
their hands gently folded on their breasts, others reclining gracefuUv 
on their elbows, and others still leaning against trees, stumps or 
stones, as if wrapped in the arms of sleep, and given over to sweet 
dreams. 

As we passed on, we discovered a group around a fresh grave, one 
of whom was a mother, who had come many miles to obtain, if pos- 
sible, the remains of her sou. One grave after another had been 
opened, but the object of her search had not been attained. Having -'^ 
just joined the little band, she looked to us as tho', if we could do 
nothing for her in her deep affliction, we might have some word ni' 
sympathy or consolation. We endeavored, as mothers, to console 
this deeply sorrowing mother, by pointing her to Him who had said : 
" Cast thy burden on the Lord, and He will sustain thee;" and by 
directing her attention to the peaceful scenery and quiet beauty that 
reigneJ around, said to her that if any of our sons had fallen here, 



12 

wc should willingly leave them to their rest, ou this memorable spot, 
until the resurrection morn. Never can we forget the agonized 
expression of her face, as she replied, " yes, but he was mine, my 
only son." Silently we mingled our tears, and left her, praying 
that she might find that solace in hev affliction, which God alone can 
give. 

We had no inclination to see more of the h6rrors of the battle- 
field, and no strength to spend in idle curiosity, when our services 
were so much needed elsewhere, so we retraced our steps, reaching 
our rooms just as the wagons arrived. In the meantime, Mr. T. 
Carson, (formerly from Lancaster) had invited two of our party to 
stay at his house, while the rest found pleasant accommodations, and 
kind friends in Miss Winrottc and Miss Showers. We thought our- 
selves highly favored, borrowed a table from a neighbor, and com- 
menced housekeeping. But though our wants were very simple, wc 
had to resort to many expedients j for even a cup of tea and a few 
boiled eggs are unattaintible, with no fire or stove on which to cook 
them. At last, one of our members, more courageous than the rest, 
volvmteered to ask the family in the next house to boil us a little 
water; they granted the boon, with the proviso, that we were not to 
ejiter the house, but only to go up a long alley and hand in the boiler 
at the window, whit-Ii proposition, however, under the circumstances 
wc gladly accepted. In the meantime, our delegation having heard 
that we had arrived, came in ; they were to leave early in the morn- 
ing, were weary and hungry, and begged for some supper, which we 
gladly gave them, though not without some sacrifice on our part as 
all that Mrs. Slagel gave us was consumed, and the next morning 
found us minus our breakfasts. 

We had until now, no systematic plan of action. All of us agreed 
that it would be better, if possible, to take the entire charge of our 
Hospital, and as all the Church Hospitals were sadly in want of care, 
mxr only difficulty was to decide which should fall to our lot. — 
Providence decided the point for us, for the only rooms we could 
obtain, were directly opposite Christ Church, the College Church, 
which had been occupied since the first day's battle, by the Ist 



\ 



13 

corps, 2ud division, ((ieu. Keynolds' meu) desiguatcd by the white 
lozenge on a red flag. 

After a good night's rest, we felt prepared to cuter upon our duties. 
Mr. Heinitsh kindly secured our rooms, procured us a stove, as- 
sisted in our moving, and then took us over and introduced us to the 
surgeon in charge. We did not think he gave us a warm reception ; 
perhaps having a prejudice against lady nurses, and afterwards (when 
by his courtesy and kindness he atoned for whatever coolness ho 
might have shown at first), we used laughingly to tell him, that he 
looked at us as though we were a set of adventurers. All of which 
he earnestly disclaimed. 

The suit of rooms which we now occupied, were very convenient, 
but the entrance was by no means imposing; a long narrow alley led 
to them, as they were in the back building of the house, the front 
being used as a store. Our accommodations embraced three rooms, 
a store room, a dining room, and kitchen ; as soon as we were settled, 
we had a board placed over the entrance on which was written in large 
letters, in chalk : " Patriot Daughters of Lancaster," and our work 
commenced. We had by tacit agreement arranged that some of us 
should cook, and prepare delicacies for the sick, while the rest should 
undertake the nursing. I was one of those upon wliom the latter 
duty devolved. With what trepidation I crossed the street, for the 
first time, to enter the scene of so much sorrow and anguish, may 
be more easily imagined than described. Had I stopped one moment 
to think, my courage would have failed, I would have turned back, 
but I did not. I walked up to the Hospital steward and told him 
that it was probable that we should be associated together in our 
duties for some weeks, and asked him what his patients most needed ; 
his reply was, " every thing." "These men are now lying with the 
exception of having their wounds dressed, as they were brought iu 
from the battle-field." Some were on a little straw, while most of 
them had nothing between them and the hard boards, but their old 
thin, war-worn blankets; the more fortunate ones with their knap- 
sacks under their heads. And when you think that they were almost 
without exception, serious amputation cases, what must have been 



14 

their sulieriugs. I went back to the rooms, and we all commeuced 
assorting the pillows, sliirts, sheets, &c., sending at the same time to 
the Commissary for some bed sacks, which the men attendants fill cd 
Avith straw. 

When our patients were washed and dressed, and placed in their 
now beds, with a fresh white pillow under their heads, and a sheet 
tlirown over them, they looked their gratitude, which was more elo- 
(|uent than words. One of us handed them each a handkerchief wet 
with cologne, and we left them to make arrangements for their sup- 
))er. Already was it in progress ; the tea was already made, and the 
buttered toast smoking on the stove, and with some nice jelly, kindly 
sent by those at home, the supper was complete; we took it over and 
gave it to each. Many having lost their right arm, had to be fed ; 
while some, tempting though the meal was, were too sick to partake 
of' it; all however, even those suffering worst, thanked us over and 
over again, and could scarcely be made to believe that avc were to 
remain some weeks here, and that they were to be our special care. 
They all said that they had never met with such kindness, and that 
that meal had been the first glimpse of home life they had enjoyed 
since they entered the service two years ago. Thus ended our first 
iJay's experience in our new and trying vocation ; it was, lujwevcr 
simply a beginning; we had only cared for those in the basement of 
the Church, (forty in number) while above, were a hundred moro 
waiting for our services on the morrow. 

The next morning found us early at our post, for it was no small 
aifair, inexperienced as we then were, to have so large a brcakfa.'it 
ready at seven o clock (the Hospital hour); but it was ready and 
after it was over, and the very sick ones supplied with lighter nour- 
ishment, we felt as though we must go up stairs. The scenes of tbo 
day before, had somewhat prepared us; but then the number was 
small, while here it was overwhelming; still, the same kind services 
were rendered to all, and by the time they were made comfortable, 
dinner was ready, of which the whole Hospital partook. Could those 
at home, who contrilbute so kindly to our stores, have witnessed the 
change in the appearance of these poor wounded suflFerers, and have 



15 

sneen their gratitude, 1 think it would have repaid them for all the 
sacrifices made in their behalf. Every thing they sent was accep- 
table, and as day after day passed, and our stores, though sometimes 
low, never failed, we prayed that God might shower his blessings 
upon them, and that they might feel that better than yold is the 
consciousness of doing good. 

And now as we are fairly started, perhaps it will interest some to 
know, of what our bill of fare consisted ; in the morning, of tea and 
toast, with soft boiled eggs ; dinner, chicken or mutton soup ; the 
chicken and mutton were given to the convalescent, and the soup to 
those who were very sick, always two vegetables, and sometimes a 
simple pudding ; for supper, tea, with stewed fruit, and buns. It 
was veiy simple ; but when you think that it was always nicely pre- 
pared, and enough provided for a hundred and fifty men ; that our 
cooking apparatus were very imperfect and inconvenient; you may 
form some idea of the amount of labor performed over a blazing wood 
fire in the middle of July. Besides this, our own meals were to be 
cooked, and we rarely seated ourselves without some one from home, 
partaking of our hospitality, who could not find accommodations else- 
wliere. Sometimes it was a clergyrhan, ministering to the wounded ; at 
others those who had sons in the battle, and as they were under the 
circumstances, thrown on our charity, we could not do less than care 
tor them ; then again were those who came over with the stores ; so all 
together they kept us employed. When not engaged at the Hospital, 
( that being our first duty) we tried to do the best we could for all, and 
if there were any who thought us wanting in hospitality, we trust that 
they will recollect that we were the dispensers of other's bounties. 

The next day was Sunday, and excessively hot, and it required all 
who could be spared from the rooius, at the Hospital. Innumerable 
flies hovered round the patients, who, in many instances were too 
weak to brush them oif ; fans were kept in constant requisition, and 
for hours at a time did we stand fanning nil this long, hot, summer 
day. In the morning we had a simple service by Professor Baugher, 
during which, though it lasted but a short time, five died. After tea 
was over and the arrangements made for the night, we remained at 



16 

the urgent request of our patients, and sang some hymns in which 
they generally joined. I have listened to the music of professed 
singers, accompanied by the deep toned note of the swelling organ, 
and to the more simple songs of praise in our own churches, but 
never did I hear anything like the sad pathos of the voices of these 
poor wounded men, as they sang, " There is rest for the weary," or 
'• There is a land of pure delight,^' and before the next Sabbath even- 
ing many had gone ; I trust to " where saints immortal reign." 

Until now, our attentions had been general through the Hospital, 
but individual cases began to claim our care, and occupy most of our 
time. It seemed as though the crisis of the wounds had arrived and 
the majority were in a critical state. Since Saturday, I had given 
all my time, to the care of a J'ouug man from the northwestern part 
of the State, who had five terrible wounds, either of which, the sur- 
geon said, might prove fatal. I had noticed his expression of agony 
in passing, and at last I heard him say to the attendant, " ask that lady 
to come to me." T went immediately; he told me that he knew he 
was going to die ; that for two long nights he had laid there alone 
thinking of his state ; he knew he was a great sinner, he said, but he 
trusted, that for Christ's sake he might be forgiven. He had an old 
mother; would I write her? I did, while he dictated the words. L 
am sorry I did not keep a copy of the letter, so full was it of love 
and patriotism. Love for his old home, love for his mother, love for 
his country, for which he said he gloried in dying, and love for his 
Saviour who had suffered and died to redeem him. He did not 
fear to die, he said, but the thought of dying alone, with no one to 
care for him. had added to his agony; but now, if I would stay with 
liim until all was over, he could patiently await the summons. L 
promised him I would, and though he lingered all day, I did not 
leave him until nearly dark, when with a short prayer commending 
his soul to Grod he passed from time into eternity. 

The next morning on going over to the Hospital, I noticed a nice 
looking old lady seated on the church steps; it was his mother. She 
came the night before, but too late, and though they had tried to 
persuade her to go away and wait until movning, it had been impos- 



17 

sible to move lier, and there she sat, througli all the quiet watches 
of the night. I took her to the spot in the church where her son 
died, gave his parting words, walked down in the fresli morning air 
to the grave yard and said all I could to console her. I never met 
with more exalted christian piety and resignation. One son lay 
before her a corpse, another was in Libby Prison, and a third 
wounded in one of the corps' hospitals ; she hoped that God would 
save our country, and look with pity on the many sorrowing hearts. 

Hear, what a Northern mother said. 

Wildly waving a banner red, 
.\s her country's laosts went trailing past, 

With I'olling drum and trumpet blast . 

"Come forth my sons, come join the band 

^Vllo battle for our native laud ; 
Come, leave the plough, come grasp the sword—'" 

Three noble youths came at her word. 

The first has sunk to his last sleep— 

The second rots in a dungeon deep— 
The youngest, wounded, writhes in pain, 

Ah ! he will never walk again. 

" Wlxat reck'st it," said the mother grey— 
"Their name and mine shall live for aye, 

They fought for freedom and for right, 
And God accepts my widow's mite." 

We were peculiarly favored in the choice of a hospital, (little as 
w e had to do'with its selection), for our patients were superior in re- 
finement to many others. The majority of them were from New 
England; all of them had enjoyed the benefits of a good plain edu- 
cation. Most of them had been blessed with faithful, pious mothers, 
who had from childhood impressed upon them the value and impor- 
tance of religion, and during their long term of service, had, through 
their correspondence, kept alive the flame of piety within their hearts 
and urged them to abide faithful to the God of their flithers. And 
, when, before the last summons came to call them to their final home, 
we ministered to them, our painful duties were lightened by the 
assurance that religion was no new thing to most of them ; and that 
in their northern homes, unceasingly ascended for these dear, dying- 
ones, prayers for their everlasting salvation. 

Before leaving home, I had been informed by one who ought to 
know better, that our army was made up of '' foreign adventurers," 



18 

" Germans and Irish/' "soldiers of fortune/' " paid hirelings/' whilst 
in the Southern army was found all the chivalry and magnanimity of 
the nation. Never were expressions more foul or malignant, or slan- 
ders more base and cruel. "We are grateful that the qualihcations 
which constitute good soldiers and noble men, are not confined to one 
nation, and that the Germans, Irish and English, who have made this 
i'ree country the land of their adoption, appreciate fully its many bene- 
fits, and fight heroically for our cause ; and though it is difficult to dis- 
criminate where all are so brave, yet the ])ravest was a young English- 
man, the color bearer of a New York regiment. He came to this coun- 
try an orphan boy, was educated in our free schools, found friends who 
assisted him, had become prosperous in business, and when this foul 
rebellion endangered the liberties of our land, and the bells every- 
where were calling together the sons of the Republic, he felt that for 
n country which had afforded him home and happiness, it was an 
lionor and a privilege to sufiier and to die. He volunteered with the 
liundreds of thousands of free men, and carried the colors of his 
regiment through all the battles fought by the army of the Potomac, 
until now, unhurt. All this he told me in broken sentences and ad- 
ded that " there was one on whom all his hopes centred, who made life 
precious and desirable to him," and much more of a similar import, 
too sacred to relate. 

To her I wrote, a letter, telling of his sad state, how he had fallen, 
Ideeding and wounded; and at his request, added, that though he 
had lost his leg, he was proud to tell her he had saved the regimental 
colors, awd his own life too was still spared him, which was only made 
valuable by thoughts of her. This was surely enough to make any 
irue woman feel proud that over so noble a heart, she alone held 
sway. His wound was doing remarkably well, and every day while 
attending to his wants, I would ask him pleasantly about the answer 
to our letter, remarking, that perhaps it was too full of sweet words 
to be seen by a stranger. 

At last I found that all my cheerful words fliiled to rouse him 
from the despondent mood into which he h.ad fallen, and I discovered 
his great anxiety at not receiving an answer to his letter. I begged 



19 

liiiii to be patient, an<l explained that the mail had ])ccii interrupted 
by the recent raid; all of which failed to re-assure him, and v/hcn 
going to him the next morning, I saw lying beside him on his pillow 
a letter directed by a lady's delicate hand; I felt all would be well. 
Yes, the letter was delicately directed, delicately written, and deli- 
cately worded — but its meaning was not to be misunderstood. It 
was a cool, calm regret that she could no longer be his ; to which 
was added the fear that the loss of his limb might affect his pros- 
pects in life. He handed me the letter to read, with a look of lixcd 
despair — buried his dicad in the pillow and wept like a child. To 
him she had been the embodiment of all that was true and lovely, 
and while others had mothers, sisters and friends, she was his all. — 
The blow had been sudden, but sure. When he looked up again, his 
lace bore the pallor of marble and I saw there was no hope.— 
All day long, we gave him stimulants and tried by words of sympathy 
to rouse him, but in vain; he lingered two days, when the silver cord 
was loosed, and the golden bowl broken. He died, and his last words 
were '' tell her I forgive her." 

Already had the dift'erent hospitals heard of our rooms, and were 
sending to us for supplies, and though we could not leave those un- 
der our care for any length of time, yet we gave to all who applied. 
Our bounties extended not only to the town and corps' hospitals, 
but also to families who were caring for wounded soldiers, and the 
calls were so numerous, that it took one of us constantly to attend to 
this work. ^Ir. Spangler also, who worked incessantly at the more 
distant corps' hospitals, came to us every morning, and was fitted out 
with whatever he needed for the day; sometimes with pads or cloth- 
ing, and at others with delicacies. And Mr. Stuart, the benevolent 
and well known president of the Christian Commission, hearing of 
the various operations of our S(jciety, made the characteristic remark. 
" I must see this nut-shell from whence so much good comes." "We 
labored faithfully among our patients, but many were daily dying ; 
dying with longing thoughts of home and friends — friends whom 
they Avould never see again. Calmness and resignation distinguished 
them in their intense sufferings, for to their honor be it said, that 



20 

with severe, and oftentimes fatal wounds, they restrained their com- 
plaints, and patiently awaited the attentions of the nurse ; groans and 
murmurs were rarely heard. The hospital stewards in charge were 
kind and attentive, and the male nurses (who were paroled prisoners, ) 
were beyond all praise, faithful to their trust ; they waited upon their 
fellow-soldiers with the greatest care and patience, giving them their 
medicine, washing and dressing them, and watching over them 
with the tenderness of a mother, and by their kind attentions won 
not only our gratitude, but inspired us to follow their good example, 
and do everything in our power to add to the comfort of these 
sufi'ering heroes. 

The days were passing slowly by, and our patients grew gradually 
fewer. Death had been busy among them, and though our duties 
were severe, yet we often felt the force of the remark made to us on 
the day of our arrival, by one who had ample opportunities of know- 
ing, Mr. J. Harris, " that however arduous our duties might be, we 
would scarcely think of them in the great strain upon our nerves 
and sympathies,'- and so it proved. 

I recollect particularly being called about this time to minister to the 
wants of a young New England soldier ; I had taken care of him in a 
general way with the others, but did not know of his dangerous con- 
ditic-n until one of his friends called my attention to him. I saw that 
he was very low, and he must have noticed by the expression of my 
face, that I regarded his case as hopeless. As soon as I came to him 
he said, " write your name on this piece of paper for nie, and if 1 
live I want it, if I die, send it to my mother, and tell her that though 
I'ar away in Pennsylvania, I have found those who have been as kind 
to me as sister or mother." " And now," said he, in the most sol- 
emn and searching manner, ''must I dieT' I told him I feared it 
must be so. '' Do not fear," he exclaimed, '■ 'to tell me the truth, for 
when I entered the army, I made up my mind that a man was not 
worthy to live, who for fear of death, shuns his country's cause. I 
am willing to die, and join the ranks of those who have already gone, 
for it is glorious to die for one's country." He said he knew in whom 
he trusted ; that religion was no new thing to him ; he had a good, 



21 

praying mother, and though the temptations were great in the army, 
yet for her sake, he had tried to do right. He then uttered a prayer 
for the loved ones at home, for liis comrades, who stood around, and 
invoked God's blessing on those who ministered to him. For some 
time he was quiet, and after having taken some nourishment, he 
asked me what day of the month it was ? I told him the IGth of 
July. " Then," said he, " it is two years since I enlisted, and one year 
from to-day my term of service will expire ;" adding in the most 
submissive manner, '' and sooner, if it is the Lord's will." After a 
short interval he said, " see that I am decently buried, and may God 
for Christ's sake have mercy on us all." The light fled from his eye, 
the color from his cheeks, and then his parched lips only uttered 
confused sounds. Around him, bathed in tears, stood the compan- 
ions of many long marches, and hard fought battles, and by his side 
his nearest friend, who had shared his tent since the commencement 
of the war. He was shot through the lungs, and lay but a short 
distance from him ; he had scarcely been able to move since he was 
brought in from the battle-field, yet hearing his friend was dying, he 
insisted on going to him. I remonstrated, but to no purpose, and I 
was not surprised, when, after performing the last sad offices for his 
friend, I was sent for to attend to him. On returning to his bed he 
had immediately had a hemorrhage, and in about two hours he too was 
a corpse. Calmly h© fell asleep, leaving kind messages for his wife 
and children at home. Thus in life, these two noble men had been „ 
devoted friends, and in death they were not divided. I kept my 
promise, and saw them properly buried. Hitherto those who died, 
had been wrapped in their war-worn blankets, but their companions 
made them each rude coffins, and a sad and serious gathering followed 
them to their last home. The relentless grave has closed over them, 
and the p-rass now waves silently over their resting place; and when 
in after days we visited the spot, we placed on each a few summer 
flowers. 

At the rooms the attendants were very much occupied. Govern- 
ment commenced sending to the city hospitals all who could possibly 
go, and as every one of them was destitute of clothing, they mended 



22 

and altered the pantaloons, coats, &e., that were sent from the llc- 
pository at Lancaster, and we tried to make them as presentable as we 
could, and with a liat sent by the same kind hands and one of our 
nice wrappers they looked very well and felt very proud, as well they 
might for many hundreds had loft (lettysburg in their shirts and 
drawers. And when two or three months afterwards I saw some of 
them at Fort Schuyler, N. J., they were still hobbling round on our 
crutches marked P. D., in the same clothing. 

I would not have any think that tliough such sad scenes were 
constantly enacted, that our hospital was at all times gloomy ; on the 
contrary, we were as cheerful as possible ; ourselves and the patients 
tried to bear their sufferings as calmly as they could. The military 
bands played for us almost every afternoon, and the Gettysburg 
"Glee Club" came in and sang patriotic songs for us occasionally, 
while some of the patients sang very sweetly themselves, and there 
was one who whistled, imitating the notes of birds, and the carols 
of the Swiss mountaineers. He was a noble-hearted man, and a 
great favorite with his regiment, (the 13th Mass.), and they testified 
that he was as brave in battle as pleasant in camp, and that when 
the bell sounded for the first war meeting at JIalboro, he rushed to 
the public liall with his gun in his hand, and by his enthusiasm and 
example induced many to volunteer. 

There was an old Netherlander too, with three shocking wounds, 
who seemed to think them nothing compared to the damage done by 
the battle to his favorite cap ; as soon as he was able it was nicely 
brushed, and he commenced decorating it ; every little bright bit of 
ribbon or button that he could get, was sewed on until it looked like 
mosaic work, and at every addition he would set it on the window and 
and admire it for hours, and when the Government supplied the hos- 
pital with fly-nets, instead of putting his to its legitimate purpose, 
Peter hung his cap on a nail and covered it with his net, much to 
the amusement of the whole hospital. 

As it was generally understood that the '' (llirist Church Hospital" 
was taken care of by the ladies of Lancaster, it did not receive as 
much attention from the citizens as some of the other hospitals that 



23 

required it more. But Mrs. Dr. R. Horner, whose kind, motherly 
cure will long be remembered, never forgot us, and we always felt 
tliat though among strangers, wc had one friend upon whom we 
might call. Nor must her little son John be forgotten, for though 
only ten years old, he spent most of his time in the hospital ; his 
thoughtful care was worthy of emulation. Every morning he came 
with some nice, cool drink, prepared by his own hands, or sugared 
berries, and if other duties claimed the attention of the attendants, 
he was always to be relied on and would fan a very low patient for 
hours, until relieved, and among my few pleasant reminiscences of the 
hospital is the bouquet of sweet flowers which he rarely forgot. 

Nearly four weeks had passed ; many of our patients had died and 
some had been sent to the (lovcrnment hospitals, so that our number 
had decreased to seventy-eight; of these, none were considered dan- 
gerously ill, and thoxigh we had ample to occupy our time, yet some 
of us had duties at home that claimed our attention, and we began to 
think of leaving. For a week past we had appointed different days, 
l)Tit yielded to their solicitations, and so day after day had slipped by, 
and now we must go. It was a sad leave-taking j every man had 
some good quality that had won our regard, and all had been as de- 
pendent upon us as children ; and wc had been to them they said, as 
mothers and sisters ; had we not fed them — clothed tlicm — and cared 
for them ; and could they forget it ? Nor were they unworthy of our 
care. From the surgeons in charge, to the simplest soldier, they had 
shown us the most respectful deference. Never, during all our stay, 
did we hear a profane word, or an ungentlemanly expression; and 
there was not one among them, who did not consider it the highest 
honor to do anything to lighten our duties, or to serve us in any way. 
And I trust that those whose almoners we were, and who since this 
causeless rebellion broke out, luivc so kindly and so liberally given to 
the wounded soldiers, will not relax their efforts until this war shall 
cease. All over the land are hospitals, in which noble men are suf- 
fering and dying, and kind women are ministering. Crive them, if 
you are poor, of your poverty, and you who are rich, give of your 
abundance. Let no unworthy thoughts enter your mind ; say not 



24 

that perhaps they do not get it, or that others consume it. Give, 
and Grod in his infinite mercy will reward. 

Kut the parting words had to be said ; we shook hands with each, 
and heard their faltering *•' Grod bless you, for I cannot/' or " thank 
you, you have been very kind/' and after singing a few hymns we 
left them. 

Our remaining stores we divided among the neighbors, who said 
they would do all they could for our patients, and with feelings of 
gratitude to those who had so kindly sheltered us for the past few 
weeks, we bid adieu to our friends and took the cars for home. 



25 



CHAPTER IT. 



OITR ftEOOND VISIT TO GETTYRBURCJ. 

Five days elapsed after our return, and a letter came from the 
hospital, saying- that they were suffering much from want of care ; 
(as many who, we thought, were doing well, had become worse,) and 
begging us if it was possible to return. Though the weather was 
excessively hot, it was a request we could not disregard. We thought 
to take them by surprise, but one of the attendants seeing us arrive, 
had rushed into the Church proclaiming the '' Patriot Daughters 
have come." We were startled at the change one week's absence 
had made; they had been so long accustomed to our nicely cooked 
meals, that their stomachs loathed the food prepared at the cook 
house. Imagine if you can, with their severe wounds, and no appe- 
tite, how they must have felt when they received for their dinner, a 
coarse piece of salt meat and large half-boiled potato. It was dinner 
time when we went into the Church, and their efforts to eat' the food 
just mentioned, and appear satisfied, was more touching than any 
complaints they might have made. We begged part of a chicken from 
3Irs. Gruel, prepared some nice farina for those who were very ill, and 
with some fresh berries which we bought at the door, they made a 
very good meal. We missed our rooms sadly, but we did as well as 
we could, for we expected that the hospital would soon be removed 
to the Seminary. 

About this time we had one of the saddest cases brought into the 
hospital, that had yet appealed to our sympathy and care. A young 
man, the only son of wealthy parents, living at lUiflalo, who was first 



26 

sergeant of his company and been left to guard the rebel prisoners, 
liad ordered one of liis men to do some duty, which he refused. 
( )ii the impulse of the moment, he struck him, and in rctiirn instantly 
received a, stab in the neck ; and though his comrades did all they 
could for him, he was never conscious afterwards, and died in great 
agony, after lingering two or three days. He was a young man, 
they said, of rare attainments, finely educated, was the higliest officer 
left in his company, and certain of promotion. He had been very 
brave in battle, and in the camp was a general companion and warm 
friend. With everything to make life attractive, he died, for away 
among strangers, and though we had many sad duties at the hospital, 
the saddest was to write to his parents the distressing circumstances 
of his death. 

We arrived on Saturday, and the Ibllowing jMonday'the order 
came to move the hospital. It was a busy day for all; we went from 
one to another, and packed up their few little trifles. 3Iost of them 
had lost everything they possessed in battle; but each while at the 
liospital, had accumulated a little store of articles which though val- 
ueless in themselves, added much to their comfort. The order was 
to move at four o'clock, and though military orders are not generally 
to be disregarded, yet a thunder storm set in at that time, and we 
could not leave until six. The day before, the wounded from the 
Court House had been sent out, which with our patients and the 
lour hundred rebels who had been there since the battle, made quite 
a large hospital. The main building was full, and the grounds were 
covered with tents, each one containing six iron bedsteads with good 
bed and bedding; and here, helpless as children, side by side, lay 
IViend and foe. I saw no distinction made between our own men 
and the rebels. The meals which were remarkably good, were sent 
I'rom the cook house to a large tent, there put upon the plates by the 
Sisters of Charity, and at meal time, the attendant came and suffi- 
cient for each patient was given him, all receiving alike. As our 
church hospital was occupied entirely by the wounded men of the 
2nd Division, 1st Corps, (men commanded by Gen. Reynolds), we 
liad no vebf'ls, and when theiv sympathizing friends asked at the 



27 

cliuroh duor, " arc there auy Coutbderatc vvouiidcd in this hospital i"' 
it had been a matter of pride among the attendants to answer that 
there was not one. But now we were in the minority, and they 
found it very humiliating, to see us go in and out of the rebel tents. 
1 was dressing a wound of a young' Massachusetts soldier, who was 
shot through the lungs, and of Avhom I had taken great care since wc 
lirst came to (rettysburg, when the hospital steward came in and said 
the doctor would like to see me in the next tent, which I knew to 
contain rebs. I was somewhat surprised when he told me that having 
tried in vain to persuade one of them, to have his leg [amputated, he 
had sent for me, hoping that I might be more successful ; it was a 
very critical case, he said, and as soon as the man decided, he wished 
to know the result. Had it been one of our boys I might have done 
better, but I finally gained his consent, with the proviso however, 
that I would stay with him during the operation, and take care ol" 
him afterwards. I sent for the surgeon, the stretchers came, and in 
twenty minutes it was over. While taking care of him, 1 saw much 
of the othprs; they are a poor, degraded, deluded set of men, much 
inferior in education and cleanliness to the T^nion soldiers, but many 
be it said to their credit, are devout christians, read their Bibles con- 
stantly, and never slept at night without singing a hymn and one of 
their number oifcring up a prayer. 

For men like flen. Trimble, I have no sympathy. Theirs was 
the infamy of inaugurating this wicked rebellion, and they should 
be the suiferers. Had any of our poor officers, in their Southern 
dungeons, dared to show half the audacity of this man, he would 
have been immediately shot. "While Gen. Trimble would order the 
best of every thing cooked, and if it did not please him, send it back 
to the kitchen. I was there one day when his dinner was returned ; 
it consisted of nice fried ham and eggs, with mashed potatoes and 
onions, but it did not please him. Norris, who was the cook, asked 
me what he should do. T suggested letting him wait until his ap- 
petite improved, which was done; no other dinner was supplied. 

When the general hospitals were lirst opened, many rebel sym- 
pathizers flocked to them and lavished everything on their favorites. 



28 

to tlic exclusion of our men. Not only did they do tlii??, but it was^ 
discovered that they furnished those who \Yere slightly wounded 
among them, with citizen's clothes, and that by this means many 
escaped. They opened rooms similar to those of the Christian Com- 
mission, receiving cart loads of goods every day, and gloried in saying 
that "not a Union soldier should have even an orange." But the 
Provost Marshal heard of their doings, confiscated their goods and 
divided them between the Sanitary and vChristian Commissions. — 
Guards were placed around the rebel tents, and their inmates were 
left entirely to the care of the Union nurses. Of course they were 
well and conscientiously taken care of, receiving not only good, plain 
food, but when refreshing drinks were given to the patients, or fruit 
and delicacies supplied, they too received their share; and when we 
lirst went to Gettysburg, seeing two or three hundred of these poor, 
forlorn, half-naked creatures, passing our rooms on their way to the 
depot, we were moved with compassion, and supplied them according 
to their necessities. And hearing lately of the sufferings of our poor 
men — sufferings too terrible for human nature to endure — on reading- 
descriptions of their loathsome prison, and the starving process 
practised upon them, my thoughts reverted to the Seminary hospital, 
to the white tents beneath the spreading branches of beautiful trees 
in which tlicir wounded lay ; tlie snow white bed, the little table on 
which were placed their Bibles and the cooling drink, and above all 
the watchful care and kind attentions they received ; and I thought, 
where are the much vaunted hospitalities of the Old Dominion'/ — 
Where, the tender-hearted and inimitably courteous and kind daugh- 
ters of the sunny South, of whom such boast has been made — who 
have figured so extensively, as the self-sacrific-ing heroines, in works 
of fiction ? Has it all been mere fiction ? Is there not one to give 
a cup of cold water to the famishing / Not one to say a kind word 
to the sick and the dying i Not one to hand a crust of bread to 
the starving '/ Have all theii- womanly feelings and instincts been 
crushed out by this diabolical rebellion, or eaten out by the essential 
barbarism of their " Domestic Institutions?" Have their memories 
become as faulty as their hearts flinty, so as not to recall the Divine 



29 

command — limited by uo sectional prejudices, circuuiscribcd by no 
North or South — '' If thine enemy hunger, feed him, and if he thirst, 
give him drink." Alas I for poor humanity; and when their broth- 
ers, restored and returned to them shall tell of more than lavish kind- 
ness, may they be won to nobler thoughts and better deeds. 

Tliroe or four days before we left, we received our last load of 
stores, with which we made our poor boys comfortable, supplied each 
with a change of shirts, stockings, <!cc., and prepared to leave. — 
Alread}' had we extended our stay beyond our original intentions, 
but many of our patients, from moving, and exposure to the air, after 
being so long in the church, had become rapidly worse, and we could 
not go. The " Sisters of Charity" were to take care of the rebels, whilst 
IMrs. Crawford, and a number of ladies from Gettysburg, were to 
take charge of the Union soldiers ; with these satisfactory arrange- 
ments made, we bade them again " Good bye" and received their last 
fervent words of gratitude. Since then, we have heard of the death 
of many uf them, and among the number, the young Massachusetts 
soldier, upon whom I had lavished so much care. T had nursed him 
as tenderly as a child ; he was wounded through the lungs and his 
sufferings were sometimes terrible, but he bore them like a hero, and 
I hoped that by good care he might live, but after we left, he became 
rapidly worse; then the hospital was broken up, and he was moved 
to a house in town, where he lay, kindly cared for by one of his 
comrades, but with uo mother or sister to soothe his last hours. It 
is sad enough, when one so young dies, surrounded by those who 
nurtured and followed him through life, and are present to attend 
his mournful exit ; but there is something jjeculiarly solemn and 
desolate in the going out of the soul, when forbidden the consolation 
of a parting word, or the last pressure from the hand of those Ave love. 
In his far-off New England home, there was mourning when he died, 
and we, who had so tenderly watched and cared for him, felt that in 
their sorrow, we too had a share. 

And here perhaps, as well as anywhere else, we may speak on a 
subject that has been variously commented upon, by the different 
newspaper correspondents, viz : " The behavior of the people of Get- 



80 

tysburg, after tlie battle." i\rucli lias been said and written about 
their want of hospitality. As wc did not go there to be entertained, 
and were dressed to suit our duties, we were not overwhelmed with 
attentions ; but Mrs. Dr. R. Horner, and the friends with whom wc 
stayed, were more than kind. Great allowances too, must be made 
as the place had been occupied some days by the rebels, and they 
had helped themselves freely to whatever they could get ; then came 
the battle, during which time the people lived in their cellars ; and 
to hear them relate their terrible experience, and see the havoc, is 
sufficient excuse. Men were shot in the streets by the enemy's 
sharp-shooters, who were on the tops of the houses, and minnie balls 
poured over the town like hail. I asked many, how they felt during 
this time, and the most expressive answer I received was, "I felt 
like I wasn't quite right." After the battle was over, the wounded 
were brought into the houses, and of course took up all the attention . 
Every thing was pressed into service, and even beds stripped of their 
sheets and pillow-cases to bind up the wounds, and some families had 
twenty or thirty wounded left to their care. Almost every house 
had been converted into a temporary hospital. Then came the rush 
of visitors ; and when we knew, that in a majority of cases, they came 
merely to gratify their curiosity, and not to minister to the wants of 
the suffering soldiers, we cannot wonder that they did not in all cases 
receive a warm reception. 

That there were isolated cases of meanness and extortion is certain, 
for the men of our hospital told us, how after lying three days with- 
out anything to eat, and suffering great agony from their wounds, 
five wounded men were charged twenty-five dollars, (all they had iu 
the world), for bringing them two miles into Gettysburg in au un- 
covered wagon without springs; whose every motion they thought 
would put an end to their sufferings. The next day three of the 
number died. 

And the week after wc came to Gettysburg, requiring some ice 
for a dying man (our supply being exhausted), T sent the hospital 
steward out to buy some; he returned Avitli about half a pound for 
which he paid a quarter of a dollar. I thought it an imposition at the 



81 

time, but was too busily occupied with other duties, to pay much 
attention to it. The next morning- we required some for anotlier 
patient ; I sent him again, when imagine my surprise to see him re- 
turn with a hirge block of solid ice, enough for the whole hospital. 
He said that the ice wagon had just left the man his supply, and 
seeing it upon his door step, he had selected this piece, and told him 
that this, with what he had yesterday, made a fair (juarter's worth, 
and he trusted it would teach him that if he wished to take advan- 
tage of people, he should have manliness enough to choose other 
])arties than the dying soldiers. 

These, and other individual cases of meanness, are beyond dispute, 
and they are despicable enough ; but a whole community should not 
1 »e held responsible for the exceptional conduct of a few. After the 
] tattle of Antietam, an individual at Hagerstown asked two gentle- 
men thirty dollars for taking them from that place to Sharpsburg, 
which at the usual rate would have cost about three dollars. And it 
is a notorious fact, that during the hot summer months, when thou- 
sands of militia-men hastened to Plarrisburg, to defend it against tlie 
attacks of the invading enemy, some sordid and intolerably mean 
citizens charged the soldiers for the water they drank. But who 
would, from these isolated cases, infer that all the citizens Avere alike 
mean and despicable 'i 

And now, the " Patriot Daughters" feel as though they ought to 
make some apology for publishing this little book, which is merely 
of a local interest. They have, however two reasons, viz : to add 
to the funds of their society, and to make known to those who have 
so liberally contributed, what was done after the battle of Gettysburg. 
The cause of our wounded men is one that needs no appeal from us ; 
tlieir patient sufferings, and uncomplaining agony are more eloquent 
than any words of ours. We confess that we are anxious to keep up 
the individuality of our society. Since the commencement of the 
war, we have been repeatedly urged to join the Sanitary Commission 
as one of their aid societies, and send them our funds and stores, 
Both the Sanitary and Christian Commissions, whose operations we 
luid amph^ opjiortunity of witnessing nt (Jettysburg, are beyond all 



32 

praise ', witli tlieir great resources, complete arrangements, and self- 
sacrificing members, they are equal to every emergency; but though 
our duties are similar, Ave feel that we can accomplish more good by 
keeping up our individual organization, than by becoming an aid 
to a larger society. What we hope to make it, is a distinct organi- 
zation, supported by Lancaster county, and that each township 
will form societies auxiliary to the parent one in the city, and that 
they will take a laudable pride in vigorously co-operating with us. 
Already are we well known. After the battles of Antietam and 
Cniancellorsville, v.'e sent stores and delegates. At Grettysburg, be- 
sides distributing to other hospitals, we took entire care of a hun- 
dred and fifty wounded men, from almost every State in the Union ; 
and a month never passes, that we do not have appeals from hospi- 
tals in want of delicacies, whose applications are never denied. Be- 
sides we can assist individual cases to which otherwise we would 
have no access. How often, too, do mothers come into the Reposi" 
tory, and with tearful eyes, beg stockings, &c., for their sons in our 
far-off western army, and sisters who would like a shirt or a few ne- 
cessaries, and they are never refused unless our supply is exhausted, 
as we try to assist to the utmost all who apply. These remarks are 
not made boastingly. To those who give, is the honor due. They 
have made us happy in furnishing the means by which to make 
others happy, and all, we doubt not, whether their contributions 
have been great or small, have experienced with us, that it is more 
blessed to give than to receive. And in this connection, we must 
mention that our feelings have often been touched, as some poor 
woman from beneath the folds of her thin shawl, would hand lis a 
few pickles or onions, raised by herself, and meekly ask " AVould we 
take these; it was all she could give." 

But it has been said to us, " we are tired of giving to the soldiers." 
What ! tired of giving to the soldiers ? Are they not our brethren ? 
Have they not perilled their all to keep us safe in the possession of 
our comforts and our homes ? Had Lee, with his thieving hordes 
crossed the Susquehanna, and trampled down our golden harvests, 
devastated our peaceful homes, enriched his famished legions, 



33 

and exchanged his wretchedly miserable apologies for horses, for our 
fine stock. What then ? Would we not all in shame and indignation, 
have been forced to submit ! Would we not have felt satisfied if we 
had only saved a part of our property, <jr even our lives ? And where 
is there now a single farmer in our whole County, who has given to 
the value of one good horse ? Or a Merchant to the value of a case 
of goods ? Or an iron master to the value of one week's product of 
his furnace? Or a mechanic to the value of one week's re- 
ceipts ? And yet the excuse for not giving any more, is sometimes 
urged because they have given so much already. " Tired of giving 
to the Soldiers!" And are they not ofttinies tired of their long 
marches, and their weary, lonely and perilous j)icket duty ? Are 
they not tired of suff"ering, starving and freezing in loathsome prisons, 
and filthy Castle Thunders ? It must be so. Then let us never 
again hear the excuse of being " tired of giving to the Soldiers," 
and let those who are enjoying the comforts of home, surrounded by 
kind friends, not forget these poor sufterers who for their sakes are 
deprived of them — and never be weary in well doing, knowing that 
in due time, they shall reap if they faint not. 

And now in conclusion, we beg any who read this little work, [as 
its only merit is its truthfulness,] to remember the object for which 
it was written and forget to criticize, for though kind nurses, literary 
attainments are not among the qualifications of the 

" PATRIOT DAUGHTERS." 



'iiiiiiiviiin'tiiittii 



